“Spring forward” isn’t just for time—your tastebuds also can get a jump on savoring the seasonal specialties available for a limited time at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. From sweet treats to creative cocktails, there’s something to please every palate as we welcome longer days and sunny weather.

AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO 

The Zoo’s spring extended hours (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through April 6) offer guests a little extra time to try some new tastes. There are tempting delicacies all over the Zoo—this list is something of an amuse-bouche of snacking suggestions. Just inside the Zoo’s entrance, the San Diego Zoo Sandwich Company is serving a confection that’s (almost) too cute to consume: a Peep bunny-topped Ambrosia Fruit Salad that also includes marshmallow goodness and coconut shavings. 

For a cool, fruity pick-me-up, stop by the Sweet Shack in the Front Street area for a Strawberry-Banana Milkshake. The nearby Plaza area boasts its own thirst beaters, such as Zoo Brew’s refreshing Watermelon Pomegranate Lime Quencher. If your shake or other sippable needs a savory accompaniment, Busy Bee Café’s Chicken Parm Sandwich is a delicious  meal on a bun—as is the Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich at Safari Kitchen.

Headed to see the koalas and feeling a bit parched (and are over 21)? The Boardwalk’s Strawberry Mimosa is sunshine in a glass. Visiting the primates and feeling peckish? Treetops Bistro is close by, and its Antipasto Salad packs a tasty and protein-rich punch. If you’re stopping by to say “hi” to giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, there are novel noshes available nearby, such as the Sweet Sticky Rice at Hua Mei Café Pagoda; and the Bamboo Bar’s Bamboo Blaster and Red Panda Punch are ready to refresh and put that pep back in your step. Finally, there’s no better way to toast the arrival of spring than by raising a glass—one of Albert’s Restaurant’s signature cocktails—such as a Purple Emperor, a Monarch Margarita, or a (non-alcoholic) Butterfly Bliss Lemonade. Cheers!

AT THE SAFARI PARK

The colorful winged wonders of Butterfly Jungle aren’t the only reasons to flutter by the Safari Park this spring. The lusciously light flavors of the season are on full display March 29 through April 20 at the Safari Park, and every appetite will find something to love. Strawberries are the star of the season, and they can be enjoyed in many ways. Several locations throughout the Park—Whistling Duck Bar, Thorntree Terrace, Oasis on the Rock, Mombasa Cooker, Mawazo Kitchen, and Okavango Outpost—are offering a simple-yet-sublime pleasure: the Strawberry Cup, a serving of the sweet, ripe, juicy berries. Sweet creations abound at Kalahari Cupboard, where the Strawberry Arctic Blast and Strawberry Churro Sundae take decadent desserts to a new level. 

And while Mombasa Cooker does have something to please any sweet tooth—Churro Fries with chocolate and strawberry sauce (which are also available at Thorntree and Mawazo)—there are savory delights to be tasted as well. The Grilled Asparagus Salad mixes fresh ingredients like almonds, arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, and grain farro, and tops it with a sunny lemon vinaigrette. The Green Tomato Burger’s zesty sauce and imaginative toppings, paired with seasoned fries, are fresh takes on a familiar favorite.

Given the (usually) perfect weather, there are few strolls as pleasurable as a walk through the Safari Park in the spring. And the perfect accompaniment is a cool, flavorful drink. Sip a tangy/sweet Strawberry Lemonade from Mombasa or a Strawberry Italian Soda from Okavango as you explore the Park; or visit Oasis on the Rocks, Sheared Sheep, Whistling Duck Bar, or the Rift Sand Bar to tip back a Strawberry Hard Lemonade Cocktail on tap. Old Fashioned Paloma Cocktails on tap are being poured at Oasis on the Rock, Whistling Duck Bar, and Raptor’s Nest. 
    Celebrating spring never tasted so good. And the cherry on top? Every purchase made at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work. Visit sdzwa.org for more information.